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What Is FootGolf? The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Playing
Imagine combining the strategy of golf with the fun of kicking a soccer ball. That’s the simple genius behind this exciting hybrid sport. If you’ve ever wondered what is foot golf but weren’t sure how it works, what rules to follow, or how to get started, you’ve come to the right place. This guide is designed to answer all your questions and give you the confidence to get out on the course.
FootGolf is a hybrid sport that combines the popular sports of soccer and golf. Players kick a regulation soccer ball into a large, 21-inch cup on a golf course, with the goal of completing each hole in the fewest possible shots. Leveraging extensive analysis of the official rules and player data, this guide unpacks everything you need to know. We’ll cover the basic rules and gameplay, the simple equipment you’ll need, the sport’s surprising history, and answer the most common questions new players have.
Key Facts
- Official Governance: FootGolf is not just a casual game; it’s a real sport governed internationally by the Federation for International FootGolf (FIFG) since 2012, which publishes an official rulebook.
- Unique Target: The target in FootGolf is a specially designed cup that is 21 inches (or 50-52 cm) in diameter, making it significantly larger than a traditional golf hole to accommodate a soccer ball.
- Modern Origins: The sport as we know it today was officially created in the Netherlands in 2008 by Bas Korsten and Michael Jansen, evolving from a casual training game.
- Fast-Paced Fun: A full 18-hole round of FootGolf is much quicker than traditional golf. Well-established research indicates that a group of four can typically complete a course in about 2 hours.
- High Accessibility: The barrier to entry is extremely low. Evidence suggests the only essential equipment is a standard soccer ball and a pair of gym or turf shoes, making it an affordable and family-friendly activity.
Contents
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What Is FootGolf? A Complete Introduction to the Sport
Imagine combining the strategy of golf with the fun of kicking a soccer ball. That’s the simple genius behind FootGolf. FootGolf is a hybrid sport that combines the popular sports of soccer and golf. Players kick a regulation soccer ball into a large, 21-inch cup on a golf course, with the goal of completing each hole in the fewest possible shots.
It’s a game that levels the playing field, where precision and careful planning often triumph over raw power. You don’t need expensive clubs or lessons to start; you just need to know how to kick a ball. The sport’s name itself gives you the perfect clue to its identity:
As you might have guessed, the name is a portmanteau, a blend of the words “football” (as soccer is known globally) and “golf.”
This clever combination perfectly captures the essence of the game. You get the beautiful, sprawling landscapes of a golf course and the familiar, intuitive action of soccer. It’s this unique blend that answers the question, “what is foot golf,” and explains its rapidly growing appeal around the world.
How to Play FootGolf: The Basic Rules and Gameplay
The main objective in FootGolf is to get your soccer ball into the hole in the fewest kicks possible. Play starts from a tee box, and the player with the lowest score on the previous hole tees off first on the next one. While the game is simple to pick up, understanding the core rules ensures a smooth and enjoyable experience for everyone. The rules largely mirror traditional golf, adapted for kicking.
Here are the fundamental rules for your first round of FootGolf:
- Teeing Off: Each hole begins at a designated tee box. Your first kick must be taken from behind the tee markers. The player with the best score on the previous hole has the honor of teeing off first on the next hole.
- Playing the Ball: You must play the ball as it lies. Kicking the ball must be done in a single movement with your foot. You are not allowed to push, drag, or stop the ball with your foot or body before the kick is completed. Wait for the ball to come to a complete stop before your next kick.
- Order of Play: After everyone has teed off, the player whose ball is farthest from the hole always plays next. This continues until everyone has put their ball in the cup. Pro Tip: Just like in golf, the player farthest from the hole always kicks first. This simple piece of etiquette keeps the game flowing smoothly.
- Marking Your Ball: If your ball is in the way of another player’s shot, you can mark its position and temporarily lift it.
- Handling Hazards: Just like golf, courses have obstacles. If your ball goes into a water hazard, you take a one-stroke penalty. If it’s unplayable in a bunker or against a tree, you play it as it lies without penalty.
- Scoring: Keep track of the number of kicks you take on each hole. Write your score down for each hole, and at the end of the round, the player with the lowest total score is the winner.
The Objective: Scoring in FootGolf
The primary goal in FootGolf is incredibly straightforward and is the core of what makes it a competitive sport. The winner is the player who completes the entire course with the lowest total number of kicks. Every kick counts as one stroke. Just like in golf, each hole has a “par,” which is the expected number of kicks a skilled player would need to complete it. Aiming for par or below (a “birdie”) is the key to a great score.
Part of the challenge and fun of understanding what is foot golf lies in tackling the course’s natural obstacles. You’ll encounter many of the same hazards found in traditional golf, and knowing how to handle them is crucial. Quick Fact: Yes, those sandy bunkers are in play! Strategy and precision are more important than just kicking the ball as hard as you can.
- Bunkers: If your ball lands in a sand trap, you must play it from where it lies. There is no penalty, but the sand can make for a tricky shot.
- Trees and Rough: Similarly, if your ball is behind a tree or in an area of long grass (the “rough”), you must play it as it lies. This is where strategic thinking comes into play—sometimes kicking sideways or backward is the smarter move.
- Water Hazards: Landing in a pond or stream is the most common situation that involves a penalty. The rule is specific and must be followed.
According to official rules, if your ball lands in a water hazard, you incur a one-stroke penalty and place the ball within two steps of where it entered the hazard. Alternatively, you can return to the position of your previous kick, also with a one-stroke penalty.
Equipment and Attire: What You Need to Get Started
One of the best things about FootGolf is its accessibility. You don’t need a bag full of expensive equipment to play. All you need is a regulation No. 5 soccer ball. For footwear, wear gym shoes or indoor turf shoes; soccer cleats and golf spikes are prohibited to protect the course. The best part? You probably already own everything you need to play your first round of FootGolf.
This minimal requirement is a major reason why the sport is so popular with families, friends, and anyone looking for a fun, active outing. To protect the integrity of the golf course greens and fairways, there are strict rules about footwear.
| Item | Required / Recommended | Prohibited |
|---|---|---|
| Ball | Regulation No. 5 Soccer Ball | N/A |
| Footwear | Gym Shoes, Sneakers, or Indoor Turf Shoes | Soccer Cleats or Golf Spikes |
| Attire | Comfortable athletic wear (shorts, polo shirt, t-shirt) | N/A (Some tournaments may have a dress code) |
| Scorecard & Pencil | Provided by the course | N/A |
| Clubs | N/A | All golf clubs are strictly forbidden |
The FootGolf Course: Understanding the Playing Field
FootGolf is played on traditional golf courses, but the target is a much larger 21-inch diameter cup, typically located away from the regular golf greens. This adaptation is key to what makes FootGolf work. The fairways provide the open space for long kicks, while the specially designed holes create a challenging yet achievable target.
Here’s what you can expect from a FootGolf course layout:
- Shared Space: Most FootGolf courses are integrated directly into existing golf courses. This means you’ll be playing alongside traditional golfers, so course etiquette and pace of play are important.
- Shorter Holes: FootGolf holes are generally shorter than traditional golf holes. A par-5 in golf could be a par-3 or par-4 in FootGolf, making the game move much faster.
- Separate Greens: The FootGolf cups are almost always located in the rough or on the edge of the fairway, never on the actual golf greens, to protect their delicate surfaces.
- The Cup: The most distinct feature is, of course, the hole itself. Its large size is proportional to using a soccer ball instead of a golf ball.
The official FootGolf cup has very specific dimensions that are standard across regulated courses. It has a diameter of 21 inches (50-52 cm) and is about 28 cm deep, ensuring the soccer ball can come to rest comfortably inside.
The Origins and Global Growth of FootGolf
While people have likely kicked objects toward targets for centuries, the modern sport of FootGolf was officially created in the Netherlands in 2008 by Bas Korsten and Michael Jansen. It is now governed internationally by the Federation for International FootGolf (FIFG), which was formed in 2012. The inspiration for the formalized sport came from professional footballer Willem Korsten, who used to amusingly kick soccer balls back to the changing rooms from the training pitch in as few shots as possible. This simple game sparked the idea for a structured, competitive sport. It’s amazing to think that a simple post-training game between footballers evolved into a globally recognized sport with its own World Cup!
The sport’s growth has been explosive, driven by its accessibility and the official structure provided by governing bodies. This journey from a casual game to an international phenomenon includes several key milestones:
- First Official Tournament (2009): The first-ever regulated FootGolf tournament, the Nederlandse Kampioenschap FootGolf, was held in the Netherlands on September 6, 2009.
- International Governance (2012): The Federation for International FootGolf (FIFG) was established in June 2012, creating a unified set of rules and paving the way for international competition.
- Global Recognition: The sport has gained significant traction, with organizations like the Professional Golfers’ Association of America recognizing its potential to bring new revenue and players to golf courses.
- The World Cup: The FIFG FootGolf World Cup has become a premier event. For instance, the 2023 World Cup featured nearly 1,000 professional players representing 39 different countries, showcasing the sport’s massive global reach.
To ensure you’re ready for the course, having the right gear is key. Here are some top-rated options to get you started.
FAQs About FootGolf
Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about the sport of FootGolf.
Is FootGolf a real sport?
Yes, FootGolf is a real sport regulated by the Federation for International FootGolf (FIFG) since 2012. It has its own official rulebook and hosts major international tournaments like the FIFG FootGolf World Cup. Its recognition by major golf associations and the presence of professional players competing for prize money further cement its status as a legitimate, organized sport.
How long does it take to play FootGolf?
On average, it takes a group of four people around 2 hours to complete a full 18-hole round of FootGolf. This is significantly faster than a traditional round of golf, which often takes four hours or more. This shorter time commitment is one of the key benefits of the sport, making it easier to fit into a busy schedule.
Do FootGolf players make money?
Yes, professional FootGolf players can make money. The American FootGolf League (AFGL) introduced cash purses to the sport, and players now compete in events around the world for prize money. To attract top-tier talent, the AFGL was the first organization to offer a “cash purse,” a decision that helped professionalize the game and provide a path for skilled players to earn a living.
What are the main benefits of playing FootGolf?
The main benefits are that it’s quicker and cheaper than traditional golf, easy to learn, and highly accessible for a wide range of ages and skill levels, making it a great family activity. It offers a unique combination of physical activity and outdoor recreation without the steep learning curve or high cost of many other sports. Core benefits include:
* Accessibility: Anyone who can kick a ball can play.
* Affordability: No need for expensive clubs or gear.
* Pace of Play: A full round is much faster than golf.
* Social and Family-Friendly: It’s an ideal group activity for all ages.
How can I find a FootGolf course near me?
To find a course, search online for “FootGolf near me” or “FootGolf courses in [your city]”. You can also contact local golf courses directly, as many have added FootGolf to their offerings. Since the sport continues to grow, more and more facilities are adding courses. Here are the best ways to find one:
* Use online search engines with location-specific terms.
* Check the websites of national governing bodies, like the American FootGolf League (AFGL) in the U.S.
* Call local public and private golf courses to inquire if they have a FootGolf setup.
Final Summary: Your Guide to Getting on the Course
From its simple definition as a hybrid of soccer and golf to its official rules and global competitions, it’s clear that FootGolf is more than just a passing trend. It’s an accessible, affordable, and incredibly fun sport that offers a fresh way to enjoy the beautiful landscapes of a golf course. You now know what is foot golf, the basic rules of play, the simple equipment required, and the history behind this exciting game.
Here are the key things to remember for your first round:
- The Goal: Get your regulation No. 5 soccer ball into the 21-inch cup in the fewest kicks possible.
- The Gear: All you need is a soccer ball and a pair of athletic shoes—no cleats allowed.
- The Rules: Play the ball as it lies, respect the course, and let the player farthest from the hole kick first.
- The Fun: It’s a game of precision, not just power, making it perfect for everyone.
Now that you know the rules, the gear, and the story behind it, isn’t it time to give FootGolf a kick? Find a local course, grab a friend or family member, and experience this fantastic sport for yourself.
Last update on 2025-08-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
